Doing Good: Our Guide to Giving Back

A good board is one that engages its members, she says. Strong, organized boards encourage their members to attend all general board meetings and participate in board committees.

Finance plays a big role for board members, and Boland says that, while the Society’s board looks at the organization’s budget and expenses, it often takes a big-picture approach to the nonprofit’s overall direction, not its day-to-day operations. That’s why boards hire good executive directors.

The Anatomy of a Nonprofit

For every issue, there is a nonprofit working hard to raise money, inspire volunteers and change the community. They come in all shapes and sizes, from all-volunteer, grassroots nonprofits, to local chapters of powerful national organizations. Here’s a breakdown of three Oahu nonprofits.

The Hawaiian Humane Society

Mission: The Society’s mantra is “strengthening the human, animal bond.” It does so through its 30 programs on education, animal adoption and support services, rescue operations and fighting for better animal- and pet-related laws.

Paid staff members: 70

Volunteers: Approximately 700; 67 percent of the society’s volunteers have been active for one to two years.

Annual operating budget: $6.3 million

Signature events: Pictures with Santa Paws, Tuxes and Tails and Petwalk, all of which raise about $650,000 per year.